Is defoliation of Chinese ligustrum beneficial? If so, when is the best time to accomplish this? Living in south florida has a long growing season. The small ligustrum I have is a double trunk and 8 inches tall with compact foliage. I can't see into the tree to make the right decision to direct any branch wiring. I just acquired it from a fellow bonsaist who passed away. Any thoughts?

That would depend on how healthy it is. Ligustrum are usually hardy and fast growers.

I used to defoliate mine whenever new growth was starting to appear [ bud swelling and just starting to extend ]I can't give you a month or period b'cause that would vary from area to area.How many flush of growth would this species give you in one year? 1, 2 or 4 flushes?

Ligustrum sinensis is deciduous (or nearly so) in a pot up here in western NC. I have several small ones, and while I don't defoliate in the summer, I can't imagine that it would harm the tree. It is an invasive weed, after all.

I've also quit trying to wire these things. The branches have a memory an elephant would envy. Mine are exclusively clip and grow. I tend to cut them all WAY back in the spring -- almost starting from scratch.

_________________Jim Lewis - lewisjk@windstream.net - Western NC - People, when Columbus discovered this country, it was plumb full of nuts and berries. And I'm right here to tell you the berries are just about all gone. Uncle Dave Macon, old-time country musician